Five CCTV applications with garda chief

The Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, Drew Harris, has confirmed that the force is currently running a rule over five submissions in respect of the long-delayed, community-based CCTV scheme.

All five applications are still in the “application” phase, a process which is being supported by the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau.

The detail was contained in a letter from Comm Harris addressing a series of concerns raised by Cavan County Council on foot of a motion tabled by Independent Councillor Brendan Fay.

It stated that, although the applications have been received, they are still subject to a series of “considerations” such as data protection regulations (GDPR) and the control of data provided from these cameras into the future.

“I look forward to receiving the completed applications for consideration in course,” said Comm Harris in his response.

At a previous council meeting elected members heard that community based CCTV systems could be operational in towns such as Ballyjamesduff, Belturbet, and Ballyconnell by September.

The initiative would follow the successful model already established in Ballinagh.

Initially proposed as far back as 2018, progress was delayed due to legislative and data protection hurdles.

However, the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 is expected to resolve many of these issues, extending Garda powers to use CCTV in crime prevention and investigation.

To date, 36 schemes have been approved nationwide, with nearly €1M allocated.

Councillors have in the past stressed the value of CCTV in supporting law enforcement and improving community security across the county.